It actually isn't that heavy I weighed it and its 14 lbs with the cord on the ground as it would be in use. most good vacuums weigh in at this weight or are heavier. The handle is strong and I regularly pick up from the handle not the head as some cheap vacs require. This vac kicks Kirby's butt which weighs more costs more and isnt near as serviceable. Sanitaire does make lighter vacs that I think beat oreck so those psuedo commercial units should be avoided get a real one for less money. update: After almost a year of use I am still happy with this vacuum but sometimes the bag smells when I vacuum and I have to wash it. I like not having to find paper bags but I think the advantage of not having dust when emptying and no smell from dog hair would make me get the sanitaire with the paper bag, same vacuum just different model number. Of course I am a carpet cleaner and vacuum a lot so it may not apply with less use. update: After 2 years of use it still looks and runs great. The chrome top stays bright. I have replaced the motor because I ran a long time on a damaged fan blade so it shook apart it cost me 45.00. I also switched bags for 25.00 so now I can use the Paper style Eureka F&G paper bags. Its nice how available parts are. People still comment on what a good job it does. Update: After 3 1/2 years I am repalcing it. Its 2nd motor is failing (Poor design it fails at the rivets they vibrate loose). The handle doesnt stay up. The hinge to the handle broke and I fixed with a screw but it squeeks as you push back and forth. The push on clip to hold up the cord has broken twice and now the cord is taped up with duct tape (the push on clip is a bad design and fails quickly). My replacement bag has a bad zipper (don't buy if the zipper doesnt have metal teeth). Its spring atatched cover has lost springs which I have replaced periodically. There really isnt one thing that still works properly in it and many of the industrial features now seem to me to be just low tech cheapness. I just repalced it with a Hoover C1431-010 Guardsman Commercial Vacuum Cleaner With 6.0 AMPs of Power . The hoover is cheaper and it seems to have as much or better suction even though it is 1 less amp. It has some better design choices (like a big front cord holder instead of side wraps, a level setting with your foot, bettter cord less likely to twist) we'll see how it holds up though. Read more
TLDR - Leave your dreams in the dust bag; this vacuum could probably inhale your old vacuum cleaner. If you want a vacuum that will serve its purpose well and last a millennium, look no further. Honestly. Next time you're at the grocery store or mall (slim chance on that one) in a carpeted area, look closely if you see it being vacuumed by maintenance. There's a good chance you'll see a Sanitaire at the hand, likely scratched and worn, but still pulling strong. I didn't notice the trend before buying one as a gift, but the legacy speaks volumes on this one. Hardwood performance is nothing special, but by no stretch ineffective. Performance is aggressive on carpet (just as I prefer) but even my nicest rugs have yet to show the scars of abrasion, so don't overestimate it's vigor. I don't endorse lightly, but as someone who highly values a tidy home, no dream house of mine is complete without a Sanitaire. NOTE: The lack of hose feature can be supplied via another ancillary, much more portable, Sanitaire product I've yet to purchase. Read more
I needed a vacuum that wouldn't be killed by the hair and fur from three dogs and four cats, and I think I've found it! It's not pretty and it doesn't have any tools to clean surfaces other than the floor, but I'm fine with that. It's heavy, but I bought a commercial cleaner for a reason, so I'm OK with that too. The cable is a great length and doesn't constantly need to be plugged in somewhere else. Lastly, this thing sucks, in the best possible way! After one use my floors looked great. I didn't empty the bag to see what I had picked up, but I'm guessing it was a lot! It's another benefit that I can vacuum everywhere without needing to empty it three or four times, as I did with my old vacuum cleaner. If things change I'll come back and update this, but right now I'm impressed and happy with my choice! Read more
This is a great sturdy vacuum BUT watch out for the title.. Makes you think this is a bagged vacuum but it doesn't need or come with bags, you have to use the bag seen, and open and dump often which can get messy and dirty the overall vacuum sooner.. I prefer the model WITH the separate bags inside the 'bagged' area.. Read more
Good deal Read more
Best vaccum for flat surfaces I’ve ever used if you’re looking for something to vacuum hardwood floors or any type of flat surfaces this is the machine . It has no hoses so using it on the stairs or in any other way is very difficult or impossible . I did not buy it with this intention so it works great for us Read more
The machine are very bad , is plastic under the belt and around the machine , the cord is not straight, no to much power, I am not recommend, I have to back to my regular commercial vacuum company . Read more
Was very excited to get this vacuum as I had tried the Oreck "commercial" vac and wasn't too happy with it. Putting this together it seemed like a very well made, durable machine. I was surprised by one cheap piece of plastic which not only held the cord but also attached to the spring which holds the bag upright. This piece has the most stress of all parts yet was just made of thin plastic and clipped to the handle. I feared it would break and sure enough, it did in less than 3 weeks. Customer service at Sanitaire was nice and replaced the part but I'm still very trepidatious regarding the long term durability of the part. Considered returning the whole machine but do like it otherwise - great suction. Read more
